Jennie Maria Conklin, widely known by her pen name Mrs. Nathaniel Conklin and born Jennie Maria Drinkwater, was an American author and social activist active during the nineteenth century. Born in 1841, she began her literary career at an early age, gaining recognition for her children's stories while still in her teenage years. Over the course of her life, she established herself as a prolific writer of books aimed at young girls and contributed extensively to the religious press of her era, blending moral instruction with engaging narratives.\n\nBeyond her literary pursuits, Conklin was deeply committed to social activism and support networks. She is best remembered as the originator of the Shut-in Society, an innovative organization designed as a correspondence bureau to connect and support disabled women and girls. Through this initiative, she sought to alleviate isolation and foster community among those confined to their homes, blending her philanthropic impulses with her communicative talents. She continued her writing and advocacy work until her death in 1900.
